الفهرس 
INTRODUCTIONOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 70 |  |  |
| | | from | 70 | | |
Abstract
Paints and coatings are used for interior and exterior applications, including corrosion protection, and decoration. Xylene is a volatile aromatic organic hydrocarbon compound used as a solvent in the manufacture of such paints. The study’s objective was to evaluate airborne xylene levels and methyl hippuric acid (MHA) levels in the urine of paint industry workers, a biomarker of exposure to xylene, and to show the correlation between environmental and biological measurements. Additionally, malondialdehyde levels in the urine of paint workers were measured to determine the effect of xylene on the development of oxidative stress.
A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted during the period from June to November 2022 at two paint factories in Alexandria, as well as the Occupational Hygiene and Air Pollution Laboratory of the High Institute of Public Health and the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory and the central lab of the Institute of Graduate Studies and Research at Alexandria University.
Air measurements were designed to represent a complete work shift, while urine samples were collected at the end of the shift. Airborne total xylenes were assessed using the MIRAN instrument. Methyl hippuric acid was evaluated using GC-FID method. Malondialdehyde was investigated using UV-Visible Spectrophotometric method.
The participants in the study were male, aged between 18 and 60, comprising 39 exposed and 15 non-exposed workers. The results of the questionnaire in the two studied factories revealed a significant difference in the availability and usage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Also, the most abundant self-reported symptoms among the paint industry workers were headache, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, laziness, cracked and peeled skin, skin redness, eye and throat irritation, and eye redness.
The results showed levels of xylene in the air were significantly higher in Factory II than Factory I. Methyl hippuric acids levels in the urine of paint industry workers were significantly higher than those of non-exposed workers. The m-MHA isomer found in urine in a greater proportion than the other isomers, which can be related to the preferential metabolism of m-MHA and the greater proportion of m-xylene in commercial xylene products. Statistical analysis of the results showed a significant, direct, and strong correlations between the levels of MHA in urine and the levels of xylene in the air. Malondialdehyde levels in urine were also noticeably higher in exposed workers from both factories than in the non-exposed group.
6.2. Conclusions
from the results of the present study, we can conclude that:
1. Some personal protective equipment were not effective in Factory II, either due to their unsuitability or invalidity.
2. Factory II, with its higher paint production rate and more hygienic standards, had higher levels of xylene (the effect of a higher production rate overwhelms the effect of the followed hygienic standards).
3. The batch mixing area (area I) had the highest levels of xylene, which exceeded the TLV-TWA at Factory II.
4. The levels of MHA were higher among exposed than non-exposed workers.
5. m- Methyl hippuric acid was the common isomer in the urine of the non-exposed group.
6. Significant correlations exist between xylene in the air and total MHA in the urine, indicating how work environment measurements can affect and be linked to biological measurements.
7. The impact of occupational exposure to xylene on increasing the levels of MDA among paint industry workers in Alexandria, Egypt, was declared.
6.3. Recommendations
from the results of this study, we can recommend the following:
1- Safeguard the health and safety of workers in the paint industry, where decision-makers and stakeholders must take actions to reduce pollutant release.
2- Reduce xylene levels in areas such as the batch mixing area, particularly in Factory II, it is recommended to implement engineering controls. Additionally, it is important to establish and enforce comprehensive programs and regulations to mitigate the hazardous impacts of xylene exposure.
3- Provide regular medical monitoring services, such as pre-employment and periodic check-ups.
4- A system for tracking all risks and hazards in the company should be implemented, within the two factories.
5- It is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of workers by actively monitoring their exposure to harmful substances, conducting thorough health risk assessments, and implementing and ensuring consistent and proper use of PPE.
6- The Environmental Affairs Agency, Ministry of Manpower and Immigration, and other relevant authorities must oblige factories and companies to support scientific research and cooperate with it to conduct further studies on air monitoring of the work environment and its correlation with biomarkers of exposure to chemicals.
7- Conduct periodic occupational hygiene and safety inspections by the relevant authorities.
8- Raise the occupational health and safety standards, especially for Factory II with higher production and xylene emission rates.